Concern over firefighter numbers in Scotland

The Fire Brigade Union’s warning the number of firefighters in Scotland is “nowhere near enough”.

There are 917 fewer firefighters in Scotland than in 2010 – that’s despite a 3% rise in recruits over the last 12 months.

New figures show firefighters rescued more than 3,500 people in Scotland last year.

Members of the union are currently considering whether to accept a 2% pay rise.

Chris McGlone, FBU executive council member for Scotland, said:

“Firefighter numbers in Scotland have been slashed over the last decade. This incremental increase in posts is nowhere near enough to make up the difference. The need for firefighters is clearly only increasing as climate change impacts Scotland. We need a radical investment in firefighter recruitment to keep the public safe.

“Pay for firefighters has been restrained for too long. The massive reduction in firefighter numbers has seen every firefighter take on a heavier workload. We need a real-terms pay rise for firefighters that is both fair and serious.”